Denver Launches Innovation Hub Operator Selection Process

The city is seeking an operator to manage a 30,000-square-foot business growth hub at Independence Plaza.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern modular business hub structure, representing professional innovation and urban development in Denver. — The city of Denver has initiated a formal procurement process to select an operator for the new 30,000-square-foot business growth hub located at Independence Plaza. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Denver has officially opened a competitive procurement process to select an operator for its new downtown innovation hub. The facility will be located at Independence Plaza and is designed to provide startup support and business growth programs.

Why it matters

This initiative is part of the Mile High Innovation Program, which aims to revitalize the downtown business environment. It leverages substantial public investment to attract and support growing companies in the heart of the city.

The project is backed by $5 million in combined contributions from the Denver Downtown Development Authority and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. The hub occupies 30,000 square feet within Independence Plaza.

The players

Denver Downtown Development Authority

This public entity is responsible for planning and financing downtown improvements and allocated $3.5 million to the project.

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity

This city agency focuses on economic growth and is leading the procurement process for the hub operator.

University of Colorado Denver

This educational institution acquired Independence Plaza, the site of the upcoming innovation hub.

The details

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is leading the search for an operator to manage programming for the site. The project follows a $4.5 million allocation previously provided to CU Denver for the physical build-out of the facility.

The innovation hub project was first announced in June 2026.
CU Denver finalized the purchase of Independence Plaza on August 10, 2026.
The official funding and operator procurement process were announced on October 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

This move aligns with the goals of the Mile High Innovation Program to concentrate business growth resources in the city center. By integrating the hub into a purchased asset like Independence Plaza, the city aims to secure a competitive foothold against decentralized remote work models.

Local startups and growing businesses will gain access to specialized support and incubator resources at the downtown site. This development represents a shift toward more centralized, resource-rich physical workspace for companies operating in the Denver area.

The takeaway

The city is making a multi-million dollar investment to ensure that physical office space remains a viable and attractive option for growing companies. Entrepreneurs looking for growth resources should track the upcoming operator selection to understand what support services will be available.